Step back in time and indulge in luxury at Kyoto’s newest hidden gem, The Sowaka Hotel. Nestled in the charming and historic Gion geisha district, this 23-room boutique bolt-hole will transport you to a world of traditional Japanese elegance. Recently renovated and featuring a 12-room annex with modern Japanese design, this insta-friendly hotel offers the perfect blend of old and new.
Part of a large-scale renovation of a 100 year-old building in the Sukiya-zukuri residential architectural style, it combines the hospitality of a traditional ryokan with experiential luxury.
If you’re planning a long delayed Japan trip, and aim to visit Kyoto, it’s our hot tip for an outstanding overnight stay.
Given that Kyoto is also one of Japan’s best-known sake-brewing districts, guests are encouraged to experience the sake of Fushimi…
Location makes a vacation. Here you can experience the hospitality of a traditional ryokan, without compromise, as you immerse yourself in the culture of the geisha district.
Take a stroll through the streets and catch a glimpse of passing geiko, or indulge in a traditional tea ceremony. The Gion district is also home to some of Kyoto’s best restaurants and bars, so you can indulge in the local cuisine.
Given that Kyoto is also one of Japan’s best-known sake-brewing districts, guests are encouraged to experience the sake of Fushimi. There’s a welcome sake drink on arrival and the opportunity to enjoy a sake-infused bath!
Guestrooms at the Kyoto Sowata feature locally-sourced artisan items; authenticity is the name of your stay.
La Bombance, Sowata’s restaurant, offers traditional Japanese cuisine with creative modern flair. La Bombance is managed by the team behind the Michelin star rated Tokyo establishment of the same name.
Exclusive customised guest experiences are also on the menu. During Japan’s cherry blossom festival and the autumn foliage season, guests can enjoy a private after-hours tour of Kodai-ji Temple, sunrise or sunset tours of Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an exclusive guided tour of the gardens of Nanzenji, Murinan and Chishakuin.
Barcelona is preparing to celebrate a major milestone in the long history of the Sagrada Família, with the completion of its central towers, including the Tower of Jesus Christ. The project fulfils a key part of Antoni Gaudí’s original vision and establishes the basilica as the tallest of its kind in the world. The occasion…
It’s dusk on the western coast of Mauritius, and I’m standing on my private villa terrace watching something extraordinary unfold above me. Huge fruit bats, with wingspans wider than you’d ever imagine, are gliding silently from the trees as darkness settles across the gardens, cutting shapes against the sky. I haven’t moved for fifteen minutes.…
One of Italy’s most legendary wine dynasties is taking over a Belgravia pub for one night only – and the menu sounds outrageously good. On Thursday 4 June, Prince Arthur will partner with iconic Italian wine producer Marchesi Antinori for an intimate tasting dinner pairing some of Tuscany’s most celebrated wines with a decadent Basque-inspired…
The Luxe Review 
Step back in time and indulge in luxury at Kyoto’s newest hidden gem, The Sowaka Hotel. Nestled in the charming and historic Gion geisha district, this 23-room boutique bolt-hole will transport you to a world of traditional Japanese elegance. Recently renovated and featuring a 12-room annex with modern Japanese design, this insta-friendly hotel offers the perfect blend of old and new.
Part of a large-scale renovation of a 100 year-old building in the Sukiya-zukuri residential architectural style, it combines the hospitality of a traditional ryokan with experiential luxury.
If you’re planning a long delayed Japan trip, and aim to visit Kyoto, it’s our hot tip for an outstanding overnight stay.
Location makes a vacation. Here you can experience the hospitality of a traditional ryokan, without compromise, as you immerse yourself in the culture of the geisha district.
Take a stroll through the streets and catch a glimpse of passing geiko, or indulge in a traditional tea ceremony. The Gion district is also home to some of Kyoto’s best restaurants and bars, so you can indulge in the local cuisine.
Given that Kyoto is also one of Japan’s best-known sake-brewing districts, guests are encouraged to experience the sake of Fushimi. There’s a welcome sake drink on arrival and the opportunity to enjoy a sake-infused bath!
Guestrooms at the Kyoto Sowata feature locally-sourced artisan items; authenticity is the name of your stay.
La Bombance, Sowata’s restaurant, offers traditional Japanese cuisine with creative modern flair. La Bombance is managed by the team behind the Michelin star rated Tokyo establishment of the same name.
Exclusive customised guest experiences are also on the menu. During Japan’s cherry blossom festival and the autumn foliage season, guests can enjoy a private after-hours tour of Kodai-ji Temple, sunrise or sunset tours of Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an exclusive guided tour of the gardens of Nanzenji, Murinan and Chishakuin.
If you’re planning a long-awaited Japan trip, be sure you shortlist the Kyoto Sowaka Hotel. To learn more and book a stay at the Sowaka, click here.
This luxury Barcelona hotel is the place to stay for the Sagrada Família Tower opening
Barcelona is preparing to celebrate a major milestone in the long history of the Sagrada Família, with the completion of its central towers, including the Tower of Jesus Christ. The project fulfils a key part of Antoni Gaudí’s original vision and establishes the basilica as the tallest of its kind in the world. The occasion…
Maradiva Villas, Mauritius review: I checked into the most luxurious private resort in Mauritius – where privacy, giant bats and the finest food on the island await
It’s dusk on the western coast of Mauritius, and I’m standing on my private villa terrace watching something extraordinary unfold above me. Huge fruit bats, with wingspans wider than you’d ever imagine, are gliding silently from the trees as darkness settles across the gardens, cutting shapes against the sky. I haven’t moved for fifteen minutes.…
This Belgravia pub is serving a £200 Antinori wine feast – and it sounds worth every sip
One of Italy’s most legendary wine dynasties is taking over a Belgravia pub for one night only – and the menu sounds outrageously good. On Thursday 4 June, Prince Arthur will partner with iconic Italian wine producer Marchesi Antinori for an intimate tasting dinner pairing some of Tuscany’s most celebrated wines with a decadent Basque-inspired…
Share this: